lebron james
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The Next Generation Athlete America is Looking for
LeBron James is an over-hyped icon in our society who, at just 18 years old, has been on the cover of popular magazine Sports Illustrated twice and has landed over $100 million in endorsements. Having just begun his first season in the NBA James has not proven anything yet and he is still drawing way too much attention. In connection with icons in our society, Jenny Lyn Bader notes in her work Larger Than Life that true heroes are being replaced by icons such as James. Icons are people who are portrayed as modern day heroes by the media. People love these icons and they idolize them since they see or hear about them everyday. Icons are different from heroes because heroes are noble and they overcome obstacles. Bader also notes that heroes no longer exist in our society. Bader's theory does not take into account that idols have the ability to develop into heroes. If an idol possesses the characteristics of Bader's ideal hero, that idol is able to progress into a hero. For now, James is just an over-hyped icon and many do not buy this hype since he is so young; nevertheless, James has exceptional talent for an 18 year old and can develop into a hero over time...